The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1887-06-01
TALE OF THE ROSABEL.

ALL VI lu 1lODADI1s
It was very annoying to find myself
standing face to face with Royal Storm as
the passengers of the Rosabel came on deck
to get parting view of the city in the soft
December evening. There was no help for
it. The boat had slipped from the dock at
the foot of Canal street and was half way
along the crescent shaped bank to Carroll
ton when we met He gave look of as
great surprise as mine, bowed slightly for
the first time in his life and passed down
the deck.
had almost made up my mind that the
situation could be gracefully endured,
when the captain assigned our places at
the table, and we two were again brought
Wis Wis for an eight-day journey. Yet
neither vas willing to ask for a change
nor to give a reason for wishing one
As our fellow passengers lapsed into
friendly chat and began to court our con-
versation it grew worse and worse. For
instance, Mrs. Farnham, the large lady
who seemed to take us all in charge, re-
marks: Miss Castle, didn't you say that
your home is in Florida?"
answer 'yes."
"Why, isn't that where you live also,
Mr.. Storm2'
Royal answers, gravely, Eyes, live
there also"
"Ah, I see. You are chaperoning your
little friend for this long journey. sus-
pected as much, for all you are so shy
about it. But you are quite right to be so
prudent, my DEAR" and she looks
roguishly at me, while my face grows hot,
and Royal looked sorely perplexed
We do not speak, we cannot, the gospel
Of eternal hate was born in us, and nur-
tured with our early lessons.
There was never yet Castle who did
not loathe the name of Storm, since that
long time ago when our grandfathers, or
still remoter ancestors, indulged in a
fatal quarrel, and left the dark Inherit
ance of feud to their descendants. And
both families had dwindled to few repre-
sentatives yet, through all our school
days together, and our chance meetings in
society and church, Royal and had pre-
served the ancient antagonism. But here,
knew not how to be loyal to the family
tradition. We were going on the same
journey-he to attend medical college,
to a celebrated physician for treatment
for the spinal trouble which threatened
soon to make me entirely helpless.
We both joined in the general conversa-
tion at table so that it was not noticed
that we never spoke directly to each other,
though we could not resist the temptation
of an occasional sideways sarcasm at each
others expense.
My acquantances were limited to n few
ladies and their husbands, for was very
shy upon this first flight from my secluded
home and a young girl who cannot
dance, flirt nor promenade on the moonlit
guards is not apt to be belle.
t,sr HnI
deck to see some town that we were pass
ing, and l was left alone in the deserted
saloon, when Royal walked slowly down
the length of the room, then turned and
came back to the couch where I lay and
bowed stiffly II hope, Miss Castle, that
you know how strong claim upon me
your Illness and loneliness give you. You
must not hesitate to call upon me for any
service. Can do anything for you now?"
''Nothing, thank you," answer, taken
by surprise. "Oh, yes, I should like a
drink of water Thanks"
am touched by this show of chivalry
from my adversary, and recognize that he
Is true gentleman, anyhow. After this
he comes to me regularly and executes my
small commissions, although we still do
not speak at table nor exchange unneces-
sary words. The fourth day passes, that
last day which every passenger upon the
Inflated Rosabel must now remember with
keenest interest, and all retire to their
staterooms as usual. 1t is considerably
past midnight wheh the shock of the col
lision almost filings us up from our berths,
and the widest confusion ensues. After
the first wondering thought, realize that
some terrible calamity has occurred, and
soon the terrified shrieks of my fellow pas
sengers tell in incoherent words that the
boat is doomed. I scream wildly once or
twice; then, as my voice returns from the
narrow walls of the stateroom, l know
that it is useless. cannot help myself.
I could not walk the length of the boat
without assistance.
The stewardess, whose care had hired,
and the friends who had volunteered at
tentions would not think of me now.
sink into the calm of utter despair. have
not even turned in my berth. The last few
weeks have made me familiar with the
thought of death, but not such death as
this. All, if could only drown. How 1
dreaded the cruel flames, and could smell
them already! Might not mercifully be
spared such agony as had read of? Then
in the hope of drowning and being found
! began, with weak, uncertain hands, to
dress myself, and was soon arrayed in my
SldNChHS oulu <to ulu oO bhC oullthS anu
groans grew louder, the hurrying feet
more desperate. Something struck my
door, and then surely my name mingles in
the general confusion. "Miss Castle! ByrdI
For heavens sake open the door! The
boat is on fire! Quicki Are you awaken
s'Take care of yourself, Mr.. Storm; never
mind mel" answered, with keen sense
Of heroism equal to his.
"If you arc speaking I can't hear you.
In one second will break in the door,"
81 am not readyr' shrek.
"Ready! Great heavens! Wrap your
self in blanket" and the door was shaken
violently.
"oh, am dressed, but can't find"-
"You must open this door. can't wait
for an AK"
Gas soon as I find''-
"Never mind valuahlesi Your life Is
all. Open this door, command you"
"Its more than that, it's my-stocking, -"
shrek.
There Is an expletive that I cannot
write, and the light door is broken in with
| the mavble slab of q table. l am caught
in two strong arms, dragged from my
room, carried through heat and sitting
smoke, and at last, through kissing, crack
| ling blazes, I am handed from man to
man until am lowered into the life boat,
my rescuer following. The boat is
| freighted to the waters edgeAwith the last
load from the wreck.
AByrd, you must sit on my knee; there
| is not room for two," says my foe.
+'There, Now lean against me and save
| your back. 1 am afraid that must have
hurt you, was so rough" This very
gently. Then as the little boat swayed q
approaching arm slipped about my waist
and held me steady. And then-only
think of 1.-THE dreadful Farnham looked
| around with a meaning smile. "How
| lovely. This is the most beautiful adven
ture ever saw-your part, meant YOU
| saved her at your own risk, Mr.. Storm
Well, she is worth it. hope you may bt
| very happy, my dears."
| was thinking what father and cousiI
| Tom would say if they knew that owet
| my life to Royal Storm.
We are the last, and a shout goes VI
from the shivering group on the shore. Al
\ we land / cannot put my bare foot upol
I the frozen ground, SO Royal carries me Il
block Of wood, where I sit while he re
\ fleets.
"You couldn't - er-I mean yu1
wouldn't-er-put on one Of mine plae
of what you lost, he suggests modestly.